Clash Magazine - Bobby Womackhttps://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack
enThe Top 100 Albums Of Clash's Lifetime: 50-41https://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Final_Clash100Albums_Feature_Banner_628x389_4.jpg?itok=uQ95Nvlt"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Final_Clash100Albums_Feature_Banner_628x389_4.jpg?itok=uQ95Nvlt" width="628" height="389" alt="Clash 100" title="Clash 100" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/GET%20BEHIND%20ME%20SATAN.jpg?itok=k3Z24JXU"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/GET%20BEHIND%20ME%20SATAN.jpg?itok=k3Z24JXU" width="628" height="628" alt="Get Behind Me Satan" title="Get Behind Me Satan" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/II_0.jpg?itok=Egcl9q9w"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/II_0.jpg?itok=Egcl9q9w" width="628" height="628" alt="II" title="II" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Overgrown.jpg?itok=doopBnqq"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Overgrown.jpg?itok=doopBnqq" width="628" height="628" alt="Overgrown" title="Overgrown" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/madvillainy_0.jpg?itok=aHnj8knN"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/madvillainy_0.jpg?itok=aHnj8knN" width="628" height="628" alt="Madvillainy" title="Madvillainy" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/RIP.jpg?itok=w_gISmAS"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/RIP.jpg?itok=w_gISmAS" width="628" height="628" alt="R.I.P." title="R.I.P." /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Happy%20Birthday%21.jpg?itok=QDVUFc1X"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Happy%20Birthday%21.jpg?itok=QDVUFc1X" width="628" height="628" alt="Happy Birthday!" title="Happy Birthday!" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Lonerism.jpg?itok=TnABVUGA"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Lonerism.jpg?itok=TnABVUGA" width="628" height="628" alt="Lonerism" title="Lonerism" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Forever%20Dolphin%20Love.jpg?itok=RomBzJo6"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Forever%20Dolphin%20Love.jpg?itok=RomBzJo6" width="628" height="628" alt="Forever Dolphin Love" title="Forever Dolphin Love" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/The%20Seer.jpg?itok=-23Y0_v8"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/The%20Seer.jpg?itok=-23Y0_v8" width="628" height="628" alt="The Seer" title="The Seer" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bravest%20Man.jpg?itok=6xUKe4A1"><a href="/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bravest%20Man.jpg?itok=6xUKe4A1" width="628" height="628" alt="The Bravest Man In The Universe" title="The Bravest Man In The Universe" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Into the top half of proceedings…</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Clash was born in 2004. To celebrate our 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary, and imminent 100<sup>th</sup> issue, we’re counting down the top 100 albums that pretty much everything we do is based on. These are our favourites since we’ve been in the game – and they’re all celebrated players.</p>
<p>Previous entries:<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-100-91"><u><strong>100-91</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-90-81"><u><strong>90-81</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-80-71"><u><strong>80-71</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-70-61"><u><strong>70-61</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-60-51"><u><strong>60-51</strong></u></a></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/GET%20BEHIND%20ME%20SATAN.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
50<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/the-white-stripes"><u><strong>The White Stripes</strong></u></a> – ‘Get Behind Me Satan’<br />
(2005, XL)</h3>
<p>The penultimate White Stripes album is viewed in retrospect as a moment of transition: the first sidestep by Jack White away from the restrictive minimalism of the duo’s garage rock into the more melodic adventurousness of his solo material. As pianos, bass, marimbas and other exotic instrumentation outnumber electric guitars, we’re blessed with an album of impressive depth and aesthetics, with ‘Take, Take, Take’ the pinnacle of its protean scope. <strong><em>Simon Harper</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jW8UlrtcEac" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/II_0.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
49<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/moderat"><u><strong>Moderat</strong></u></a> – ‘II’<br />
(2013, Monkeytown)</h3>
<p>The follow-up to 2009’s eponymous full-length sees the trio bigger and badder than ever. ‘II’ emerges, blinking, as a widescreen number, flooded with new ideas and exciting twists and turns. It is a much more immediate and melodic collection, albeit one that simultaneously pays its respects to post-rock. They’ve proved to be immune to the curse of the “difficult second album”. ‘II’ is an absolute masterpiece of dancefloor work. <strong><em>Felicity Martin</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I1gewNVv1UY" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Overgrown.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
48<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/james-blake"><u><strong>James Blake</strong></u></a> – ‘Overgrown’<br />
(2013, Polydor)</h3>
<p>Still drifting in and out of post-dubstep interpretations and piano acoustics, James Blake stretches an early, minimalist potency and beautiful lip-biting tension on this second album. Wiry and hollowed, but with a slowly flourishing, fuller fortitude – and without remonstration – there’s the courage of conviction to tame the twitchiness and elegance of suspicion around him. <strong><em>Matt Oliver</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6p6PcFFUm5I" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/madvillainy_0.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
47<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/madvillain"><strong><u>Madvillain</u></strong></a> – ‘Madvillainy’<br />
(2004, Stones Throw)</h3>
<p>This collaboration between producer Madlib and rapper MF DOOM is defined by its flippancy and attitude to professionalism; slapdash and dilapidated, wholly unconcerned with making sense (or the definition of what sense is). This is not sticking it to establishment and the ways of intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-outro – the message is not to overthink, that the dope will win out, no matter how truncated. Neither artist lets the other one or their expectant audience down. What this album overdoses on in splutter, it compensates in horsepower – always free from claustrophobia as it shambles on through. <strong><em>Matt Oliver</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ewc1hixzYPY" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<h3>
<img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/RIP.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></h3>
<h3>
46<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/actress"><u><strong>Actress</strong></u></a> – ‘R.I.P.’<br />
(2012, Honest Jon’s)</h3>
<p>Fanatically assembling emotions and mental inductions that range from psychotropic industrialism to claustrophobic astral ascents, we once again faced an Actress audio communion on this third LP. Darren Cunningham’s patient obsession crafted a paranoid, neurotic electronic journey that thrived on momentum, taking us even further towards a mercurial melting point. <strong><em>Matthew Bennett</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7A7YF9fZNBg" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Happy%20Birthday%21.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
45<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/modeselektor"><u><strong>Modeselektor</strong></u></a> – ‘Happy Birthday!’<br />
(2007, BPitch Control)</h3>
<p>The electronic duo’s mutant strain of music is so infectious it restores your faith in an entire scene, and this second album further delivered on their potential – with just a hint they were holding back even more delights. Whereas ‘Hello Mom!’ of two years earlier was almost entirely instrumental, ‘Happy Birthday!’ kept the Modeselektor furnace roaring with both massive and comedy collaborations. <strong><em>Matthew Bennett</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qPpbtJVU3M0" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Lonerism.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
44<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/tame-impala"><u><strong>Tame Impala</strong></u></a> – ‘Lonerism’<br />
(2012, Modular)</h3>
<p>Tame Impala’s second LP once again tosses us headfirst into the deep end of the psychedelic whirlpool. And if there were ever a modern day reason to go and tie-dye your entire wardrobe, this would be it. Jinking together the familiar, hallucinogen-fuelled guitar strums and splashed-out lyrics of their debut album, ‘Lonerism’, hits a more dejected nerve. That’s far from a negative, mind, as this is hypno-grooving at its best. <strong><em>Errol Anderson</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LnKUD_OztRE" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Forever%20Dolphin%20Love.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
43<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/connan-mockasin"><u><strong>Connan Mockasin</strong></u></a> – ‘Forever Dolphin Love’<br />
(2011, Because/Phantasy)</h3>
<p>Half-awake and half-asleep, Connan Mockasin seems to drift endlessly between corporeal realms and inner space. A dreamer, a mystic, ‘Forever Dolphin Love’ followed releases in his native New Zealand, and presented a psych-pop wunderkind in full flow. A concept album (of sorts), it re-tooled Syd Barrett’s wide-eyed lysergic approach while retaining his own wandering spirit. A sprawling work of butter-soft textures that fade and melt at the slightest touch, its myriad influences coalesce in that stunning title track: lengthy, sublime, superlative. <strong><em>Robin Murray</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E7CaTJ2SvG8" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/The%20Seer.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
42<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/swans"><u><strong>Swans</strong></u></a> – ‘The Seer’<br />
(2012, Mute)</h3>
<p>‘The Seer’ is a musical megalith and surprising late-career best from the symphonic, avant-garde titans of trickiness. It’s a dense and dangerous undertaking, a two-hour metaphysical scream into the void constructed from a miasma of musical sources, ranging from delta blues to heavy psych and beyond. It’s potent, prophetic and totally uncompromising: its catharsis so far beyond the cerebral it feels like getting an enema. Rapturous, transcendent and ultimately ecstatic, it's the Götterdämmerung of contemporary rock. <strong><em>Anna Wilson</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0sdOvQjtUrg" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Bravest%20Man.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></p>
<h3>
41<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack"><u><strong>Bobby Womack</strong></u></a> – ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’<br />
(2012, XL)</h3>
<p>In what turned out to be his swan song album, Bobby Womack invested his entire being into the unlikely collaboration with Damon Albarn and Richard Russell, and proceeded to make up for lost time (it being 20 years since his previous release) by pouring his soul into and unstitching recent wounds for songs that celebrate a life well lived. His vintage soul voice is effortlessly comfortable amid the modern instrumentation, every breath an impassioned grasp on the music he hoped could save him, despite the afflictions that ultimately didn’t. A finer finale he could not have wished for. <strong><em>Simon Harper</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Th2XiEN2Dcg" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>Previous entries:<br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-100-91"><u><strong>100-91</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-90-81"><u><strong>90-81</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-80-71"><u><strong>80-71</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-70-61"><u><strong>70-61</strong></u></a><br /><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-60-51"><u><strong>60-51</strong></u></a></p>
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</div></div></div>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:35:21 +0000ClashMusic82311 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-100-albums-of-clashs-lifetime-50-41#commentsHang On In There: Clash Meets Bobby Womackhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0992-G.jpg?itok=bC_vTE2c"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0992-G.jpg?itok=bC_vTE2c" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0147-G.jpg?itok=xm5IuUML"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0147-G.jpg?itok=xm5IuUML" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0477-G.jpg?itok=n9FMRdz4"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0477-G.jpg?itok=n9FMRdz4" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0243-G.jpg?itok=FBuL4Uob"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0243-G.jpg?itok=FBuL4Uob" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0425-G.jpg?itok=hvqPAO7G"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0425-G.jpg?itok=hvqPAO7G" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0102-G.jpg?itok=LQOpUL6S"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0102-G.jpg?itok=LQOpUL6S" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0193-G.jpg?itok=J0jPgeof"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0193-G.jpg?itok=J0jPgeof" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0547-G.jpg?itok=C-tuC74H"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0547-G.jpg?itok=C-tuC74H" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0858-G.jpg?itok=WAn34s_F"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0858-G.jpg?itok=WAn34s_F" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0924-G.jpg?itok=8gJJjhql"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0924-G.jpg?itok=8gJJjhql" width="628" height="837" alt="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" title="Bobby Womack by Rory Van Millingen for Clash issue 81" /></a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/CLASH_81_OFC_A-F_WEB.jpg?itok=-Gj4elir"><a href="/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/CLASH_81_OFC_A-F_WEB.jpg?itok=-Gj4elir" width="628" height="837" alt="Clash issue 81" title="Clash issue 81" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">On his rocky renaissance…</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><em>The music world lost a legend on June 27<sup>th</sup>, as celebrated soul man <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack"><u><strong>Bobby Womack</strong></u></a> died at the age of 70. He’d been due to release a new album, ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’, later this year – the follow-up to his sensational 2012 comeback, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’.</em></p>
<p><em>Said collection, co-produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell, was <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012-5-1"><strong><u>Clash’s album of the year for 2012</u></strong></a> – and, accordingly, we featured Womack on our year-end cover. The interview from that issue (<a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/double-issue-bobby-womack-king-krule"><u><strong>81</strong></u></a>) has never before appeared in full online, with complete photography. To mark the great man’s passing, here it is.</em></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0147-G.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 746px;" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Look, if you gonna go and reach, <em>reach</em>…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>You know someone is important when their personal assistant is a professional Barack Obama lookalike. Yes, even fake presidents follow in the wake of Bobby Womack: soul superstar, bona-fide legend, and full-time survivor. But when both men walk onto set for Clash’s cover shoot, shit gets real.</p>
<p>They’ve come to East London all the way across town from their record label’s Notting Hill base on a day packed with duties, and we’re fully expecting them to be grumpy for doing so. Added to this fact, we were expecting Bobby to be indignant at the suggestion he get changed for the camera – trust me, we’ve dealt with enough difficult divas and cooler-than-thou indie kids to know that image is precious.</p>
<p>So it was refreshing, and something of a relief, that while perusing our vivid assortment of vintage, designer and decorative glasses and hats, Bobby simply conceded: “Whatever you want me to wear, I’ll wear it. You just give it to me, and I’ll put it on.” Meanwhile, Arthur, Bobby’s aforementioned right-hand man, is whooping with laughter, claiming: “This is gonna be one to remember!”</p>
<p>He’s not wrong. What follows is three hours of the easiest and most fun shoot Clash has ever experienced, where in between swapping hats and shades, Womack entertains the studio with stories collected from his 60-year career (more on which later), some involving Sam Cooke, others <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/jimi-hendrix"><u><strong>Jimi Hendrix</strong></u></a>, but all delivered with a beaming smile.</p>
<p>We’re here today because Clash has judged Womack’s latest album, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’, made in collaboration with <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/damon-albarn"><u><strong>Damon Albarn</strong></u></a> and XL founder Richard Russell, our favourite long-player of the year. “That’s great news,” Bobby responds, genuinely grateful of the honour.</p>
<p>It’s an album that crowns his career, which bridges generations, genres and technologies, and one that nearly killed him. It’s music that affects the depths of your soul, that makes you want to dance, that makes you want to cry.</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2WA7uH4kLQQ" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><strong><em>‘Whatever Happened To The Times’ (2012)</em></strong></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>From the title track’s dark, humbling sermon, we experience the paralysing pain in ‘Please Forgive My Heart’, where Womack pleads over sparse piano and penetrating, warm beats. ‘Deep River’ is a stripped-back gospel original, just Bobby, his guitar, and a direct link to decades past, and then <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/lana-del-rey"><u><strong>Lana Del Rey</strong></u></a> adds her ghostly refrain to ‘Dayglo Reflection’.</p>
<p>We hear the 2012 equivalent of Jackie Wilson in the irrepressible ‘Love Is Gonna Lift You Up’, while the pounding techno punch of closer ‘Jubilee’ comes complete with Womack’s seasoned baritone layered all over itself. Forward-thinking the album certainly is, and we’re in love with it. Looking back at its genesis, however, Bobby admits he could never have predicted its impact.</p>
<p>“Matter of fact, I didn’t have no idea at all. I just knew that it was different than anything that I had ever done. I mean, working with Damon and Richard, it was just different - their approach was different.” How so?</p>
<p>“One thing different was the way that we would come up with songs. I’d never sit down and work on material, except for when we got in the studio. They would throw something at me, and the next day I would come back with the song. It was just great, and it was very fresh. Plus, I had never cut with a band so small – it was only about three pieces. So I would say, ‘God!’ And they kept saying, ‘Yeah, I just think the most important thing is your voice should be out there. You got an incredible voice’.</p>
<p>“So, I was just saying, look, if you gonna go and reach, REACH! You can’t say, ‘No, don’t do it that way!’ We didn’t have that argument! We just went right in and kept going. It was magical.”</p>
<p>The Womack/Albarn partnership dates back to when Damon got in touch with Bobby asking him to contribute vocals to the <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/gorillaz"><u><strong>Gorillaz</strong></u></a> album ‘Plastic Beach’ in 2009 – he sang lead on first single ‘Stylo’, and ‘Cloud Of Unknowing’. When Womack confesses to never hearing of Albarn’s outfit, you can believe him – even when talking about them now, he calls them ‘Gorilla’. Bless.</p>
<p>“I told Damon to send me some material and let me hear it. Now, my daughter just walks in when I was listening to the tapes, and she said, ‘Dad, what are you doing listening to Gorilla?’ I was shocked. I say, ‘You know them?’ And she said, ‘Dad, that’s one of the hottest groups in the country. What are you doing?’ I said, ‘Is that against the law? I’m just listening!’ So she said, ‘Well, I sure wish you would cut with them.’ She said, ‘Dad, that’s the way you can get back in it!’”</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0477-G.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 746px;" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p>If I’m still living, I wanna keep living. I wanna try out the new things…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>Impressed by Damon’s work ethic, clean lifestyle and professional attitude, Bobby found himself a new partner, and even agreed to tour with Gorillaz, accompanying them across the globe, even though he’d only perform his two songs each night. “They said, ‘You only gotta be on stage 10 minutes’,” Bobby remembers. “I said, ‘Ten minutes? It takes me that long to burp!’”</p>
<p>But it was an impetus that re-awoke Bobby’s passion and drive, setting himself up for something more. After all, he’d practically retired after his last record, ‘Christmas Album’, in 2000.</p>
<p>“All the people that I grew up with – Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett – all them people are gone! I say, if they left me here to carry the ball, I gotta do it where they feel proud of what I’m doing. And that right there kept me in the game, and just waiting on the opportunity – if it ever came along, I would open up. And it came along, and I opened up. If I’m still living, I wanna keep living. I wanna try out the new things.”</p>
<p>All of which led to Bobby, Damon and Richard convening in London and New York to start work on an album with sessions that blurred the lines of master and protégés. There’s a video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YHTXH2RDMk" target="_blank"><u><strong>YouTube</strong></u></a> that provides an insight into what happened behind the scenes with the trio. We see Damon handling piano and keyboards and Richard programming the drums, both immersed in the man and the moment, and Bobby freestyling over their choppy beats. They look like they’re having a ball. Life was good.</p>
<p>Then, things took a turn for the worse. Already diagnosed a diabetic, in early 2012, while putting the finishing touches to this album, the 68-year-old was struck with a string of health problems. He was hospitalised for three months, where he was in a coma for 14 days, had pneumonia three times, and told he had prostate cancer (the tumour was removed, and later proven to be non-cancerous). He hid his medical problems from the public, and thought this exciting new venture would never see the light of day.</p>
<p>“I thought, ‘Boy, isn’t this a drag?’ Now the break that should’ve came 30 years ago is coming now, and my body is falling apart. My dream – the way it should have been – has just come along.”</p>
<p>In turn, having faced death, this became the most important album Bobby had ever worked on. “They allowed me a chance to be me. That means when you grow from materialistic things, your attitude changes as a writer, your attitude changes as a person, your attitude changes period. And I think for the better.”</p>
<p>Apparently healthy now – “but not like I wanna be” – Bobby still has ambitions left. “It’s like somebody breathing life into a dream that you’ve always had,” he says. Yet he can’t guarantee there will be a follow-up to ‘The Bravest Man…’.</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0243-G.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 746px;" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p>To say, ‘Oh yeah, we’re gonna do another album’, I say, who knows if I’ll still be around…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>“Because, from my sicknesses and all the things that I went through in my life, I say you can’t predict what’s gonna happen tomorrow. I live for today and try to put as much into today, but to say, ‘Oh yeah, we’re gonna do another album’, I say, who knows if I’ll still be around?”</p>
<p>The thought of losing Bobby at this juncture is heartbreaking. Not only would a reprise of this twilight promise be unfulfilled, but the world would lose a true musical icon, a conduit to a bygone era and departed heroes. Another long, rich and intriguing branch of music’s family tree will cease to grow.</p>
<p>It began to bloom in Cleveland, 1952, when Bobby was just eight-years-old, drafted into a gospel vocal group with his four brothers by his Baptist minister (and aspiring guitarist) father, Friendly Womack, with little choice: “My father just said, ‘Hey, you gonna do this or I’m gonna beat you into the next week’, and if you didn’t want that whipping, you wouldn’t say no.”</p>
<p>The Womack Brothers were a sensation on the gospel circuit, and even though Curtis Womack was the lead singer, it was his younger brother Bobby that would steal the spotlight. The group caught the eye of Sam Cooke, himself then a member of gospel group The Soul Stirrers. After leaving to go solo and follow a secular musical direction, Cooke soon launched his own label and publishing company, SAR Records, and in turn signed The Womack Brothers, converted them to secular (against the wishes of Friendly), changed their name to The Valentinos, and relocated them to Los Angeles.</p>
<p>Bobby was the group’s main songwriter and guitarist – a role with which he’d moonlight with Sam Cooke on tour and in the studio. Womack was brought to international attention when <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/the-rolling-stones"><u><strong>The Rolling Stones</strong></u></a> covered his Valentinos hit, ‘It’s All Over Now’, a move which still rankles Bobby.</p>
<p>“I was saying, ‘Let them get their own song! Write your own song!’ And [Sam Cooke] said, ‘Bobby, you don’t understand. You’ll be a part of history through them.’ He said, ‘You’re giving them their first shot in America and all around the world.’ And I kept saying, ‘Yeah, but I still don’t want them to record the song.’ And he said, ‘Bobby, I own the publishing!’”</p>
<p>Decision made, Womack surely benefitted from the song hitting number one in the UK and its consequent royalties, but what runs deeper is the racial implications of white artists stealing the music of black artists. Despite the Stones’ intention of paying tribute to Womack, it’s one more example in a long line of unfair treatment to artists never given the chance of exposure.</p>
<p>“I look at the black artist as they come a long way,” Bobby sighs. “But it’s a lot of people paid heavy, heavy dues, and was never recognised for anything.”</p>
<p>Following Sam Cooke’s murder in 1964, Bobby was left reeling. The Valentinos were put on ice while he tried to forge his own career – which was marred right at the beginning by controversy when he married Cooke’s widow, Barbara. (Furthermore, Bobby’s brother Cecil went on to marry Sam and Barbara’s daughter, Linda; the pair would later record as Womack And Womack.)</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KtzRJgZG98I" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><strong><em>‘Across 110<sup>th</sup> Street’ (1972), as used in the movie Jackie Brown</em></strong></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>Session work with Aretha Franklin, Sly Stone and Janis Joplin led to his own deal with United Artists in the early-’70s, and a proto-funk, raw soul-rock direction that delivered hits such as ‘Harry Hippie’, ‘Woman’s Gotta Have It’, ‘Lookin’ For A Love’, and ‘Across 110th Street’, from the soundtrack Womack composed to the film of the same name.</p>
<p>The latter is a song that still packs a punch – its gritty descriptions of life in the ghetto (“Been down so long, getting up didn’t cross my mind”) are no less potent today, and is testament to Bobby’s incisive and profound talents. He recalls to Clash how he had to persuade his label to let him do a soundtrack – they weren’t sure, however, if this film was right for him.</p>
<p>“I can write about the ghetto – I was born in it. I lived in it all my life. It’s nothing new. And so it happened. And even today, I say the ghetto still will never go out of style. People can still relate to that song. That song was written 40 years ago, but look what it says. Look how we’re living today. So I think all of that comes from being somewhere, and you’re there for a reason. I like to make the reason a positive reason for it to work and give other people hope, and the only way you can do that is through music.”</p>
<p>Bobby’s success waned from the late-’70s, partly due to the effect his brother Harry’s 1974 murder had on him, and then throughout the ’80s, as a drug dependency made his output unpredictable and his personal life precarious.</p>
<p>“I used to play it because I loved to play it,” he reasons, “but once I started seeing that the guitar had a way of making more money for me and putting me in a bigger position, then I lost the craving and the creativity for wanting to play the guitar, unless it was going to bring a song. You see what I’m saying? So when you lose that, you lose the true you.”</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Clash_BobbyWomack_0425-G.jpg" style="width: 560px; height: 746px;" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Because creative people are so creative, they think they can figure everything out, and drugs is one thing you can’t figure out…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>A spell in rehab changed his perspectives and his fortunes, and saved his life. “I would like to be able to enlighten new artists and new entertainers that’s coming up: don’t even stop and waste your time,” he advises. “Because creative people are so creative, they think they can figure everything out, and drugs is one thing you can’t figure out. While you’re figuring it out, you know you’re hooked. Creative people are the worst when it comes to that. I seen Marvin Gaye walk past a lot of stuff, but he could not walk past that. The bigger he got, the bigger <em>it</em> got, until you knew what was going to win in the end. The drugs will win.”</p>
<p>As is evident, Albarn’s phone call was the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. It pulled Bobby through, and out into a world that’s entirely grateful to see him back, and all the better for his experience and hard-earned advice.</p>
<p>“I say one thing to the young generation: if you love this business, you <em>must</em> have a passion for it, because your passion will be tested <em>every day</em>,” he stresses. “Most artists get ripped off before they get started, and when they really learn the business, they’ve already made tonnes of money. If they still can go behind that, they wasn’t doing it for the money, they was doing it because they love the music. And you will get through it.”</p>
<p>His own love reignited, his star shining brighter than ever, Bobby Womack is right where he belongs: lost in music. ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ is not only a most appropriate title, it’s a testimony to a life dedicated to the pursuit of music and the joy it can bring to others. We hope, Clash signs off, that Bobby can stick around to continue his good work.</p>
<p>“Well I’m hoping too,” he nods. “Matter of fact, I don’t even think of it like that. Even though it comes on my mind, I just say, ‘God, let me just do a tour around the world, then I’ll let it go’. But I just feel the best is yet to come.” Hallelujah.</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><strong><em>RIP Bobby Womack, 1944-2014</em></strong></p>
<p>Words: <strong>Simon Harper</strong><br />
Photography: <strong>Rory Van Millingen (<a href="http://www.roryvanmillingen.com" target="_blank"><u>website</u></a>)</strong><br />
Fashion: <strong>Zoe Whitfield</strong><br />
Creative Direction: <strong>Rob Meyers</strong></p>
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</div></div></div>Mon, 30 Jun 2014 15:49:24 +0000Simon Harper79724 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/hang-on-in-there-clash-meets-bobby-womack#commentsThe Personable Poet: Bobby Womack Rememberedhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-personable-poet-bobby-womack-remembered
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby%20womack.jpg?itok=WhQI0HzY"><a href="/features/the-personable-poet-bobby-womack-remembered"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby%20womack.jpg?itok=WhQI0HzY" width="628" height="314" alt="Bobby Womack" title="Bobby Womack" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">March 4th, 1944 – June 27th, 2014</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>It’s all too easy to feel like you’ve lost a friend when a musical hero dies. Their work has affected you so deeply, and has been in your life so long that they’ve become an innate part of your DNA. Too many heroes have left indelible scars upon their passing, but, thanks to one unforgettable day in late-2012, the impact <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack"><u><strong>Bobby Womack</strong></u></a> made on me – and indeed Clash’s reciprocated love – was profound and genuine. Today, I’ve lost someone who inspired me, who touched me with his humility, openness, and evident passion.</p>
<p>Photo shoots are notoriously long and often challenging days, especially when working with musicians. There is often a tangible tension in the air, as everyone orbits the star, trying to make them happy, trying to get great results while never wanting to make them uncomfortable. Bobby Womack was shot for the cover of <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/double-issue-bobby-womack-king-krule"><u><strong>Clash Issue 81</strong></u></a>, our end-of-year edition, in which his new album ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ (his first in 12 years, co-produced by Damon Albarn and XL boss Richard Russell) was voted our <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012-5-1"><u><strong>favourite of the year</strong></u></a>. This significant achievement validated a creative renaissance and the rejuvenated spirit that Albarn and Russell encouraged from Bobby, and he was so moved and motivated by the honour that he arrived on set absolutely ready to roll, with complete trust in everything we asked him to do.</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/videos/hang-on-in-there-bobby-womack-cover-shoot"><u><strong><em>Behind the scenes: on the set of Clash’s Bobby Womack photo shoot </em></strong></u></a></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>It turned out to be the best cover shoot I’ve ever been a part of. We’d been advised by his PR to ensure that we shouldn’t expect too much activity – he was 69, he had just conquered pneumonia and colon cancer, and was still in recovery. Our concept, therefore, kept things focused on the most expressive part of him: his face. Our research suggested he was man that loved his hats and shades, so we collected a vast range of adornments and spread them out on a table. Ranging from Westwood’s tall Mountie hats (<em>way</em> before Pharrell) to his own corduroy cap, he had the pick of headwear. His eyes, meanwhile, could be decorated with octagonal frames, designer shades, and a variety of sculptures made from found objects by eyedress artist Cyrus Kabiru.</p>
<p>It was a startling and disparate collection, and we didn’t know what his reaction would be. Some image-conscious young hipster may have run a mile. Bobby beamed as he scanned the assortment; “Whatever you want me to wear, I’ll wear it,” he grinned, genuinely excited. “You just give it to me, and I’ll put it on.” (Later, in our interview a week or so later, with time to reflect, he told me: “I was talking to my ex-wife last night and I was telling her out of all of the interviews, the commercials, and especially pictures [I ever did], I wear glasses and I said I never had anybody come up with that idea. It was real fresh to me… I really got off on it.”)</p>
<p>The day progressed with Bobby sat down for the duration, as around him the photographer, Rory Van Millengen, and Rob Meyers, Clash’s Creative Director, buzzed around him, moving the lights or replacing his accessories so he needn’t move. All the while, he’s regaling those on set with amazing stories from his past - remembering his mentor, Sam Cooke; remembering how friend and former bandmate Jimi Hendrix would hide his sandwiches when food was scarce on the tourbus; remembering his initial horror when first hearing The Rolling Stones had covered his song, ‘It’s All Over Now’.</p>
<p>It was a glimpse into history. It was a man so comfortable in his surroundings, so proud of his life, so happy to be able to share it, that he just glowed – sitting so still and serene – like Buddha, with devotees hanging upon his every word. “It truly was an honour to be embraced by his world for even that short day,” Rob commented today. “I’ll never forget his kind and inspirational words.”</p>
<p>In turn, our shoot would make a similarly substantial impact on Bobby. It spearheaded his return to the limelight, turning heads with our unique and stunning photography, and introduced him to a new generation of fans. It was the perfect album for the times - his gruff soulful voice had lost none of its emotive qualities, while Albarn and Russell’s thoroughly modern and complementary accompaniment was a marriage made in Heaven. So pleased was everyone with the results, XL reissued ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ with Rory’s photography on the cover. We were honoured.</p>
<p>An excerpt from our cover story is online to read now, <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/soul-survivor-bobby-womacks-traumatic-triumph"><u><strong>here</strong></u></a>, and we’ll run the whole interview with the original photography soon. Discover for yourself the insight of a man thrilled to be back doing what he loves, and the story that led him there. I just wish he could have carried on. He said in our interview that he almost felt guilty that he was still around to make music, while Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett and so many of his old friends weren’t, and that his role now was to “carry the ball” for them. He did so much more than carry it: he scored a touchdown.</p>
<p>While we await the cause of death, I take comfort in the fact that even despite his recent illnesses he created this final work of art, and even though he regretted that his biggest fame would arrive so late in life, he was still intent on enjoying it. “The break that should’ve came 30 years ago is coming now, and my body is falling apart,” he said. “My dream – the way it should have been – has just come along. I give the credit to God, because I don’t know what kept me around, but I’m gonna make the best of it.”</p>
<p>Thank God he did. Rest in peace, Bobby. </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JdIGkpmc4jU" width="560"></iframe><br /><em><strong>BOBBY WOMACK ON SOUL TRAIN, 1971 - 'THAT'S THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT CHA'</strong></em></p>
<p>Words: <strong>Simon Harper</strong></p>
</div></div></div>Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:57:35 +0000Simon Harper79706 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-personable-poet-bobby-womack-remembered#commentsBobby Womack Has Diedhttps://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-has-died
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/clash-magazine-issue-81-bobby-womack_0.jpg?itok=voJn8ElQ"><a href="/news/bobby-womack-has-died"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/clash-magazine-issue-81-bobby-womack_0.jpg?itok=voJn8ElQ" width="628" height="847" alt="Bobby Womack" title="Bobby Womack" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Soul icon passes away</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bobby-womack-dead-at-70-20140627"><u><strong>Rolling Stone</strong></u></a> reports that <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack"><u><strong>Bobby Womack</strong></u></a> has passed away at the age of 70. As yet, the cause of death is unknown, although Womack was <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-reveals-alzheimers-fears"><u><strong>diagnosed with Alzheimer’s</strong></u></a> in 2013 and had previously fought cancer.</p>
<p>Born Cleveland, Ohio in 1944, Bobby Womack was forever moving. As lead singer with The Valentinos, his velvet voice helped push R&amp;B into soul. The group’s hit ‘It’s All Over Now’ was later re-tooled by The Rolling Stones but, instead of being jealous, the songwriter was quick to realise that new, exciting audiences were opening up for his music.</p>
<p>A contemporary of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack even played guitar on ‘Twistin’ The Night Away’. A relatively fallow period in the 60s would be broken with his emergence as a solo artist, with 1968’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ scoring several hits.</p>
<p>Drawn into the funk sphere, Bobby Womack’s languid, socially aware score for ‘Across 110<sup>th</sup> Street’ would break new ground in the 70s. A renowned guitarist as well as a pivotal songwriter, Womack would play session work and tour with the likes of Sly &amp; The Family Stone, The Faces, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and more.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UOg_8hCC4u4" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>Signing to Beverly Glen Records in 1981, Bobby Womack stepped back into the limelight with the multi award-winning album ‘The Poet’. Internationally lauded, it saw the artist bring his sound back up to date utilising the latest studio effects – a hallmark of Womack’s career.</p>
<p>Suffering from problems with addiction, Womack’s career fell by the wayside in the 80s. A sporadic 90s saw a number of session work, alongside the odd solo release but the velocity of his career seemed to have waned.</p>
<p>An encounter with <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/damon-albarn"><u><strong>Damon Albarn</strong></u></a> in 2010, though, saw Bobby Womack drawn into the orbit of Gorillaz. Re-establishing himself as a pre-eminent soul vocalist, sessions began on a new album with XL boss Richard Russell pairing up with Albarn.</p>
<p>Released in 2012, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ was a stunning return, in keeping with Womack’s catalogue but also frighteningly new. Clash placed Bobby Womack on the <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/soul-survivor-bobby-womacks-traumatic-triumph"><u><strong>cover of our final issue of 2012</strong></u></a>, and was granted full, free and frank access to a truly inspiring artist.</p>
<p>Musing on his place within the soul spectrum, Bobby Womack remarked that the majority of his contemporaries had passed away. “All the people that I grew up with - Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett - all them people are gone! I say, if they left me here to carry the ball, I gotta do it where they feel proud of what I’m doing."</p>
<p>"And that right there kept me in the game, and just waiting on the opportunity - if it ever came along, I would open up. And it came along, and I opened up. If I’m still living, I wanna keep living. I wanna try out the new things.”</p>
<p>Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.</p>
<p>Photo Credit: <strong>Rory Van Millingen</strong></p>
<p><u><strong><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/issue">Buy Clash Magazine</a></strong></u></p>
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</div></div></div>Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:44:43 +0000Robin Murray79705 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-has-died#commentsGlastonbury 2013: Sunday Highlightshttps://www.clashmusic.com/live/glastonbury-2013-sunday-highlights
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Glastonbury-Festival-620x350_0.jpg?itok=UiSfUUnt"><a href="/live/glastonbury-2013-sunday-highlights"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Glastonbury-Festival-620x350_0.jpg?itok=UiSfUUnt" width="620" height="350" alt="Glastonbury Festival" title="Glastonbury Festival" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">From beardy folk to Green Fields...</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The William’s Green tent, a 2,000-capacity space, is at its best on Sunday, opened at midday by long-bearded Canadian <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/a-letter-from-canada-3"><u><strong>Ben Caplan</strong></u></a>. If a man’s musical prowess can be judged by the superiority of his beard, then before even opening his mouth, Caplan is a god of a songwriter.</p>
<p>Remarkably, his performance exceeds such expectations, Caplan delivering heartfelt folk tales with a powerful and gravelly voice. There’s an intimacy between his words and delivery that is rare, and echoes of both Jeff Buckley and Tom Waits (the latter, certainly, informs aspects of Caplan’s sound).</p>
<p>The standout might be the melancholic ‘Drift Apart’. But Caplan is never not upbeat, and has the charisma to get the audience on his side and make his solo performance feel bigger than the sum of its parts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/palma-violets"><u><strong>Palma Violets</strong></u></a> follow at William’s Green. The Lambeth four-piece’s debut Glastonbury set is invested with an overwhelming energy and a primal punk-rock showmanship. They confirm their status as one of the fastest-rising bands around, and make the hype seem justified. Chili Jesson and Sam Fryer, as co-frontmen, put their hearts into it. Chili is frenzied and unpredictable, lending the show a tense feel that suits their Clash-like sound.</p>
<p>To cap off the afternoon at William’s Green, <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/the-vaccines"><u><strong>The Vaccines </strong></u></a>provide a snappy 14-track set, with singles ‘Nørgaard’ and ‘If You Wanna’ causing the biggest surges in an already euphoric atmosphere. Their performance consolidates their position as a favourite future headliner. They appear to be at the same stage as Mumford &amp; Sons were after their John Peel Stage performance in 2010, where the folky types had a crowd stretching far beyond the perimeter of the tent.</p>
<p>For the sunset slot on the Other Stage, <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/the-smashing-pumpkins"><u><strong>The Smashing Pumpkins</strong></u></a> churn out some of the heaviest rock of the weekend. Billy Corgan’s clean vocals and lead melodies can be heart-achingly beautiful at times, and are woven into a foundation of brash guitar and drums. Their sound is one of rock’s most enviable juxtapositions, and at its most evocative when played live.</p>
<p>The crowd is enthusiastic, lighting up when ‘Bullet With Butterfly Wings’, ‘Disarm’ and ‘Tonight Tonight’ are aired. At other times, though, a more sedated atmosphere prevails.</p>
<p>Away from the deluge of rock and indie, the West Holts stage, host to Chic and Public Enemy on the previous two nights, caps off a remarkable weekend with two <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/tags/bobby-womack"><u><strong>Bobby Womack</strong></u></a> sets.</p>
<p>First up is Bobby Womack and The Bravest Band, with Damon Albarn on piano and backing vocals. Womack’s distinctively husky and soulful vocals fit well within a sound that headed by warbling basslines, giving the band an innovative and contemporary feel.</p>
<p>After a brief turnaround, a classic Womack set begins – and the crowd really gets going. It’s a truly joyous occasion. The night sky is lit up by a stage filled with a brass section, a trio of female gospel singers, two drummers, a guitarist and bassist – and, at the centre of everyone’s attention, the remarkable, charming and legendary Womack. ‘Across 110<sup>th</sup> Street’ is the biggest hit, but there is a consistently jovial atmosphere, and astonishment at the excellence of the band on stage.</p>
<p>After hours, the most idyllic part of the festival – the Green Fields – plays to some of its latest-running live music. There are smile all round when Bristol-based dub reggae outfit <strong>Laid Blak</strong> play Croissant Neuf.</p>
<p>By sunrise the stone circle is at its busiest, as those last standing flock there to cap off a truly brilliant 2013 at Glastonbury.</p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>Words: <strong>Cai Trefor</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/glastonbury-2013-friday-highlights">Find Friday's highlights here</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/glastonbury-2013-saturday-highlights">And Saturday's highlights here</a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(35, 31, 32); font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, 'DejaVu Serif', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; ">Get the best of Clash on your iPhone - </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ch9v77s" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(35, 31, 32); font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, 'DejaVu Serif', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; " target="_blank">download the app here</a></p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 03 Jul 2013 07:14:39 +0000ClashMusic74416 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/live/glastonbury-2013-sunday-highlights#commentsBobby Womack For Latitudehttps://www.clashmusic.com/live/bobby-womack-for-latitude
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack_1.jpeg?itok=YKvUYAyT"><a href="/live/bobby-womack-for-latitude"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack_1.jpeg?itok=YKvUYAyT" width="591" height="480" alt="Bobby Womack" title="Bobby Womack" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Extra names confirmed...</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Resurgent soul icon <strong>Bobby Womack</strong> is set to perform at this year's Latitude.</p>
<p>One of the founding voices in what would become known as soul music, Bobby Womack's return last year was a truly beautiful story. Hooking up with a new generation of musicians, this iconic artist appeared to be re-invogorated by the fresh, surprising influences being thrown in his direction.</p>
<p>A former Clash Magazine cover star (read that feature <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/soul-survivor-bobby-womacks-traumatic-triumph">HERE</a>), Bobby Womack has confirmed plans for an appearance at Latitude this summer.</p>
<p>Live performances from the soul singer have been sporadic, with Womack having endured a number of health issues last year. However the R&amp;B icon has been given the all clear, and will take recent album 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' to Southwold forest in July. </p>
<p>Part of a wave of new additions, Bobby Womack will be joined by shoegaze newcomers Coves and digital soulman Gabriel Bruce. Squeeze songwriter Glenn Tilbrook is set to take part, with other new names on the line up including comedian and multiple marathon runner Eddie Izzard.</p>
<p>Latitude runs between July 18th - 21st.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.latitudefestival.com/">Ticket link.</a></p>
<p>Get the best of Clash on your iPhone - download the app here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ch9v77s">http://tinyurl.com/ch9v77s</a></p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:41 +0000ClashMusic73702 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/live/bobby-womack-for-latitude#commentsBobby Womack Expands 'The Bravest Man In The Universe'https://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-expands-the-bravest-man-in-the-universe
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack_0.jpeg?itok=qQqAVZcJ"><a href="/news/bobby-womack-expands-the-bravest-man-in-the-universe"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack_0.jpeg?itok=qQqAVZcJ" width="591" height="480" alt="Bobby Womack" title="Bobby Womack" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Containing a new track...</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Bobby Womack</strong> has unveiled an expanded version of his new album 'The Bravest Man In The Universe'.</p>
<p>For Bobby Womack, the past 12 months have been life changing. The soul icon returned with 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' - Clash Magazine's #1 album of 2012 doncha know - while live shows saw the performer imbued with a rare energy.</p>
<p>Along the way, though, the American artist also battled ill health. Initially diagnosed with a form of cancer, Bobby Womack was able to beat the illness with the help of health professionals.</p>
<p>Now the songwriter is set to return to his studio album. 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' will be expanded, with XL making a larger-than-life edition available on iTunes. '</p>
<p>It's Been A Long Night' is a brand new track, completed during recording sessions at the tail end of 2012. Check out some studio footage below.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nSt10b4QGso?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>- - -</p>
<p>'The Bravest Man In The Universe' is out now.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:24:19 +0000Robin Murray72948 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-expands-the-bravest-man-in-the-universe#commentsBobby Womack Reveals Alzheimer's Fearshttps://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-reveals-alzheimers-fears
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack.jpeg?itok=vU5eIY4y"><a href="/news/bobby-womack-reveals-alzheimers-fears"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/Bobby%20Womack.jpeg?itok=vU5eIY4y" width="591" height="480" alt="Bobby Womack" title="Bobby Womack" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&quot;How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That&#039;s frustrating.&quot;</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Bobby Womack</strong> has revealed that he is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's.</p>
<p>Bobby Womack's health has become a frequent topic of discussion over the past 12 months. Returning with his beautiful album 'The Bravest Man In The Universe' the soul legend successfully fought a battle against cancer after its release.</p>
<p>Now, though, the songwriter has again been forced to go public with fears over his health. Speaking to Gilles Peterson on 6Music, Bobby Womack revealed that his doctors have detected early signs of Alzheimer's. "The doctor said you have signs of Alzheimer's," he said. "He said it's not bad yet but it's going to get worse. How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That's frustrating."</p>
<p>Recorded with Richard Russell and Damon Albarn, recent shows have seen Bobby Womack joined onstage with his 'Bravest Man...' collaborators. Referring to this, the soul icon explained: “The most embarrassing thing is I’ll be ready to announce Damon and can’t remember his last name.”</p>
<p>'The Bravest Man In The Universe' was named Album of the Year by Clash Magazine in 2012. Bobby Womack agreed to sit down for a lengthy cover feature - more on that <a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/double-issue-bobby-womack-king-krule">HERE.</a></p>
<p>Here's 'Please Forgive My Heart'.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Th2XiEN2Dcg" width="420"></iframe></p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:54:07 +0000Robin Murray71560 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/news/bobby-womack-reveals-alzheimers-fears#commentsThe Top 40 Albums Of 2012: 5 - 1https://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012-5-1
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby-womack-the-bravest-man-in-the-universe_0.jpeg?itok=RFOA9BVB"><a href="/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012-5-1"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby-womack-the-bravest-man-in-the-universe_0.jpeg?itok=RFOA9BVB" width="628" height="628" alt="Bobby Womack - The Bravest Man In The Universe" title="Bobby Womack - The Bravest Man In The Universe" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">From Grimes to Bobby Womack</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The final part of our Top 40 Albums of 2012 runs down numbers 5 to 1 with Grimes, Alt-J, Death Grips, Frank Ocean, and our favourite album of 2012, Bobby Womack's 'The Bravest Man In The Universe'.</p>
<h3>
5. GRIMES ‘Visions’ (4AD)</h3>
<p>From ephemeral DIY elf to pop chameleon and onto to binary dance nymph, Grimes, AKA Claire Boucher, has been honing her digital alchemy for some years but ‘Visions’ has launched her onto front covers and into fashion directories with equal propulsion. Now there’ll be no stopping this creative, sensual explosion of humanity called Grimes.</p>
<p><strong>BEST BIT:</strong> <em>Witnessing her almost unfathomable trajectory between the SXSW 2011 showcase and again in 2012. </em></p>
<p><strong>MATTHEW BENNETT</strong></p>
<h3>
4. DEATH GRIPS ‘The Money Store’ (EPIC)</h3>
<p>Last year was marked by riots, uprisings, and change. Death Grips rode the wave and burst onto the scene. This year they have been humbled. Not just by context, but by their own doing. Speaking in April, Flatlander from the group boasted how they had found the “perfect label” to sign to. How Epic “understood where we’re at, and what we’re doing.”</p>
<p>The label muted the band. They put back their releases and cancelled their tours. When they were about to explode with a new record, the strategists and the bureaucrats bound them.</p>
<p>In part due to my animosity, in part due to their myopia, it’s hard to sympathise with a band who claim to be students of The Wipers yet sign to a major, then complain. It suggests they’ve not been paying attention in class. There’s a youthful arrogance to the group - which doesn’t flatter a trio beyond their teens, but does flatter the music. Theirs is a charging, weaving, vexed sound, of an energised punk band existing in paranoid, post-9/11 America. They are as much about gold rush territorialism as cyber terrorism. They can be both your worst nightmare and your scout leader. They’re rude, infuriating, and abrasive, who deserve championing for the very same reason.</p>
<p><strong>BEST BIT:</strong> <em>Vocals and beats fed backwards on ‘Blackjack’, for Break Ya Neck peaking.</em></p>
<p><strong>SAMUEL BREEN</strong></p>
<h3>
3. FRANK OCEAN ‘Channel ORANGE’ (MERCURY)</h3>
<p>It seems a painfully obvious statement to make, but it needs to be emphasised that ‘Channel ORANGE’ is an album. Sitting alongside the Trap rap giants such as Rick Ross who have dominated a large percentage of hip-hop’s airwaves this year - throwaway records void of meaning that can be picked up and dropped at any point - separating Frank’s offering kind of makes sense.</p>
<p>From the muffled sounds of laughter and an iPhone message beep that begin the album, to the murky distorted version of old demo ‘Voodoo’ playing through a car stereo that brings it to a close, everything sounds like it’s supposed to be there and like it’s a happy coincidence all at once.</p>
<p>Soaking up every element of Ocean’s world, the ambient noises of LA life mix with musical references and inspirations from such eclectic sources that it’s a wonder the songs blend together as effortlessly and seamlessly as they do. From Bowie’s ‘China Girl’ influenced riff that carries through the entirety of ‘Lost’ to the electro heaven that is ‘Pyramids’, Frank makes every genre he tackles feel like it’s brand new. He covers well-worn subjects such as love, sex and drug abuse and somehow turns them into poetry so fresh you think he’d just invented the ideas; singing them with such earnest it’s certain the girl’s voice echoing across the end of the album is talking to him when she says: “You’re special, I wish you could see what I see.”</p>
<p><strong>BEST BIT:</strong> <em>Before Frank, I only ever thought Donny Hathaway had that much soul.</em></p>
<p><strong>HAYELY LOUISA BROWN</strong></p>
<h3>
2. ALT-J An Awesome Wave (INFECTIOUS MUSIC)</h3>
<p>As far as breakthrough artists are concerned, 2012 was owned by one band. In November, when Alt-J captured the Mercury Prize for their magnificent debut album ‘An Awesome Wave’, it capped a fairytale twelve months for four lads who originally began playing together while studying at Leeds University.</p>
<p>Clash featured Alt-J back in January, which, such is their meteoric rise, seems like an aeon ago. At the time, talk centred around a faintly silly name - they are officially called ? but we know them as Alt-J, which is the shortcut keystroke for the delta sign on an Apple computer - and the minimalist gorgeousness of debut single ‘Tessellate’.</p>
<p>Then, in May, two releases a week apart would cement Alt-J’s place as the year’s ‘most exciting new band’. Firstly, the snaking throb of the brilliant ‘Breezeblocks’ single would seduce a pantheon of punters, while seven days later, ‘An Awesome Wave’ unleashed an eclectic majesty. An endlessly fascinating album - from the series of short interlude pieces, in particular the acapella harmonies of ‘Interlude 1’ segued beautifully into ‘Tessellate’ - to the fistful of standout songs, ‘An Awesome Wave’ constantly explored textures, rhythms and unconventional song structures. </p>
<p>“We never really intended to be a band,” guitarist Gwil Sainsbury told us in January. “We were just venting and doing some creative stuff on top of our university course work.” And the four friends got seriously creative. ‘Something Good’ bubbled beautifully around Joe Newman’s intriguing singing style (which drew comparisons with Wild Beasts’ Hayden Thorpe), the shimmering ‘Dissolve Me’ explored their post-rave leanings, while both the gentle lull of ‘Matilda’ and the metallic growl of ‘Fitzpleasure’ were deliciously odd and instantly gratifying.</p>
<p>In many ways it was tricky trying to explain the Alt-J sound. Part art-rock, part beats-orientated, much of ‘An Awesome Wave’ was hard to compartmentalise as it shape-shifted in front of our ears. Back in January, the band themselves had a view on why their sonic palette was so multi-dimensioned. “We all agree on Metronomy and Radiohead,” Gwil revealed. “However, three quarters of the band agree of certain hip-hop groups and while Thom [Green] the drummer has a metal background, [keyboard player] Gus [Unger-Hamilton] was a chorister and for a large part of his life was brought up in the classical section of HMV.” </p>
<p>It’s not all been a breeze for Alt-J. ‘An Awesome Wave’ didn’t meet with universal critical approval (Clash loved it, of course, awarding it 9/10 and a full-page lead review, the only debut artist of 2012 to grab that honour) as some found the album contrived and over-fussy, while the band weathered a mini-backlash in the form of some snarky griping at their Mercury win. The negative jibes felt partisan and unfounded - put simply, Alt-J are a hugely talented new British band who made an album that sounded unlike anything else released in 2012. Their success - amid a sea of chart-based shit - is to be both lauded and cherished. </p>
<p>When we first met them, Clash noted how nice the Alt-J boys seemed. At the time they were devoid of anecdotes about rock and roll excess. “We don’t have any stories at all,” Gwil admitted. “We are like old men; we are quite boring. The only story we had was when Thom had a migraine at a festival and he threw up in a Portaloo.” Twelve months on, and the opportunities for debauchery have undoubtedly increased exponentially, but what is genuinely exciting about Alt-J is to imagine just how far they can push themselves musically. In 2012, the UK fell for an album brimming with invention and exuding extraordinary promise. In the future Alt-J could well become truly awesome. </p>
<p><strong>BEST BIT:</strong> <em>That moment on the mighty ‘Breezeblocks’ when the bassline first kicks in.</em></p>
<p><strong>JOHN FREEMAN</strong></p>
<h3>
1. BOBBY WOMACK The Bravest Man In The Universe (XL Recordings)</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/soul-survivor-bobby-womacks-traumatic-triumph">Read an excerpt from our interview with Bobby Womack here.</a></p>
<p>-</p>
<p><a href="http://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012">Click here to visit out Top 40 Albums of 2012 hub page to check out the unfolding list and for your chance to win all 40 of the albums featured.</a></p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 07:35:13 +0000Admin71240 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/features/the-top-40-albums-of-2012-5-1#commentsHang On In There - Bobby Womack Cover Shoothttps://www.clashmusic.com/videos/hang-on-in-there-bobby-womack-cover-shoot
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby-womack-cover-shoot-still.jpg?itok=Mk2VMH22"><a href="/videos/hang-on-in-there-bobby-womack-cover-shoot"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.clashmusic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_feature/public/field/image/bobby-womack-cover-shoot-still.jpg?itok=Mk2VMH22" width="628" height="394" alt="Hang On In There - Bobby Womack Behind The Scene Cover Shoot" title="Hang On In There - Bobby Womack Behind The Scene Cover Shoot" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-subtitle field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Behind The Scenes for Clash Magazine&#039;s January/February double issue</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div class="description_wrapper">
<div class="description " data-expand-tooltip="Click to expand description" itemprop="description">
<p>In the same year he faced death head-on, the sixty-year soul veteran Bobby Womack returned to the fray with his most experimental album yet. Clash met the living legend to discuss innovation, cancer and Sam Cooke, plus we speak to the architects of his renaissance, Damon Albarn and Richard Russell.</p>
<p>Clash Issue 81, January/February 2012<br />
Out Friday 6th December 2012</p>
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</div>
<p><strong>Clash Magazine x Bobby Womack<br />
A Film by Amat Amos Amo<br />
Creative Direction Rob Meyers for RBPMstudio<br />
Photography by Rory Van Millingen<br />
Fashion by Rob Meyers for RBPMstudio</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-video field-type-link-field field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Video:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="http://media.clashmusic.com/video/issue-81/Clash-Magazine-Bobby-Womack-Cover-Shoot.mp4">Bobby Womack Behind The Scene Cover Shoot</a></div></div></div>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:05:59 +0000Admin71297 at https://www.clashmusic.comhttps://www.clashmusic.com/videos/hang-on-in-there-bobby-womack-cover-shoot#comments